First incarnation Les Paul Special from 1959 with the early pickup switch location, neck pickup position and Les Paul model silkscreen headstock. This version is rarely seen in today's market, and this example is break/repair free retaining all of its original parts including frets and nut.The faded cherry finish shows wear from use over the years and has developed a really nice patina with knocks and dings commensurate with age. There are no breaks or repairs - a noteworthy fact given the construction of these early models and the location of the neck pickup route. Gibson would soon go on to relocate the neck pickup slightly further away from the neck join. Whilst this change in the design improved the its stability the earlier versions are thought to sound better - and this guitar is testament to that! All electrics are stock and the two P-90 pickups sound superb giving a wide variety of tonal options from jazzy mellowness to cutting punk-esque bite. The hardware is all present and correct. Playability wise the guitar has the ever desirable 59 profile neck - a very comfortable medium C that fits like a glove with a worn finish that is very smooth to play. A rare find and an excellent opportunity to acquire a golden era, original '59 Les Paul that would be just at home on stage as it would in any collection. Comes with a semi hard case offering excellent protection.